International Consensus Renames PCOS to Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome

A global medical consensus published in The Lancet has replaced the term Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) with Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS). The change follows a Delphi process involving more than 14,360 participants—patients, clinicians and researchers—and 56 medical and scientific bodies worldwide. The new name highlights that the condition affects multiple endocrine systems and metabolism, rather than only the ovarian morphology implied by "polycystic".

PMOS affects roughly one in eight women of reproductive age, estimated at over 170 million people globally. It is associated with hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, increased risk of type 2 diabetes, dyslipidaemia and cardiovascular disease. The revised terminology is intended to improve understanding, diagnosis and recognition of metabolic risks, without altering existing diagnostic criteria or treatment approaches. Implementation will occur gradually as guidelines, educational materials and scientific literature are updated.